Test 1

1. Trying to keep her balance on the icy surface, the last competitor's ski-tip caught the pole and
somersaulted into the soft snow.
A. the last competitor's ski-tip caught the pole and somersaulted into the soft snow.
B. the ski-tip of the last competitor caught the pole and somersaulted in the soft snow.
C. the last competitor caught the pole with the tip of her ski, and somersaulted into the soft snow.
D. the last competitor caught the pole with her ski-tip, which made her somersault into the soft snow.
E. the last competitor somersaulted into the soft snow when the tip of her ski was caught by the pole.

Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
After the comma we need the name of the person. In answer D, the use of which is incorrect. Answer E
unnecessarily uses a passive construction.

2. The temperature dropped suddenly last night, which will mean that the shoots emerging from the soil
will be killed by the frost.
A. which will mean that the shoots emerging from the soil will be killed by the frost.
B. which will mean that the frost will kill the shoots emerging from the soil.
C. and this will mean that the shoots emerging from the soil will be killed by the frost.
D. and the resulting frost will kill the shoots that are emerging from the soil.
E. and as a result, the shoots will be killed by the frost, emerging from the soil.

Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The word which does not have an antecedent noun, and so the construction is incorrect in A and B.
Similarly, in C this does not have a noun to which it refers. D is the best choice. In E the phrase emerging
from the soil is dangling.

3. The impostor eluded detection for so long because she conducted herself as though she were a
licensed practitioner.
A. as though she were a licensed practitioner.
B. as though she was a licensed practitioner.
C. like she was a licensed practitioner.
D. like as if she was a licensed practitioner.
E. as if she was a practitioner with a license.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The sentence is correct because we change was to were in situations that are counter to fact or highly
unlikely.

4. Being abandoned by our friends is the cause of great sorrow for us.
A. Being abandoned by our friends is the cause of great sorrow for us.
B. Our being abandoned by our friends is the cause of great sorrow.
C. Being abandoned by our friends, we feel great sorrow.
D. Abandoned by our friends, sorrow is the result.
E. We feel great sorrow when our friends abandon us.

Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
The constructions using being are awkward and wordy. Answer D is an example of a dangling modifier.
Only Answer E is clear, and in the active voice throughout.
5. Among the many reasons for his defeat in the election was his arrogant assumption that his
constituents were incapable of understanding economic conditions, and his unwarranted attack on his
chief opponent.
A. was his arrogant assumption that his constituents were incapable of understanding economic
conditions
B. were his arrogant assumption that his constituents were incapable of understanding economic
conditions
C. were his arrogant assumptions that his constituents were incapable of understanding economical
conditions
D. were his arrogant assumption that his constituents would be incapable of understanding economics
E. was the arrogant assumption that his constituents was incapable of understanding economic
conditions

Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The two reasons were his �arrogant assumption� and his �unwarranted attack�. Since these two
items constitute a compound subject, the verb should be plural (were, not was). In C the
word economical is incorrect.

6. More and more holidaymakers are choosing to fly to remote islands in search of the perfect beach;
seeking sand, sun and palm trees, rather than centers of entertainment.
A. ; seeking sand, sun and palm trees, rather than centers of entertainment.
B. ; seeking sad, sun, palm trees and not entertainment.
C. , with sand, sun, palm trees and no entertainment.
D. , they seek sand, sun and palm trees, rather than entertainment centers.
E. ; they seek sand, sun and palm trees, rather than centers of entertainment.

Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
The correct answer joins two sentences with a semi-colon. A and B use a semi-colon incorrectly. D needs
a semi-colon. C is not parallel.

7. The government requires that these forms should be submitted before the end of the financial year.
A. that these forms should be submitted
B. that these forms be submitted
C. for these forms to be submitted
D. these forms submission
E. these forms should be submitted

Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Subjunctive constructions do not need should.

8. After arduous months of fighting, the sight of the white flag being raised generated as much relief on
the victor's side than it did on the vanquished.
A. as much relief on the victor's side than it did on the vanquished.
B. as much relief among the victors as among the vanquished.
C. as much relief on the victor's side as it did on the vanquished's.
D. relief both on the victor's side as well as on the vanquished's.
E. relief both for the victor and the vanquished side.

Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
B has parallel construction and yet is concise.
9. The best way to encourage innovative thinking is not to promise financial rewards for ideas, but to
ensure that the person making the suggestion receives recognition for his contribution.
A. but to ensure that the person making the suggestion receives recognition for his contribution.
B. but to ensure that the person who makes the suggestion will be receiving recognition for his
contribution.
C. but rather by ensuring that the person making the suggestion receives recognition for his contribution.
D. but rather ensure that suggestion-maker receives recognition for his contribution.
E. but instead make sure that the suggestion-maker will receive recognition.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
No error.

10. It ought to be her with whom you share your secrets, not me.
A. her with whom you share your secrets, not me
B. her with whom you share your secrets, not I.
C. she with whom you share your secrets, not me.
D. she with whom you share your secrets, not I.
E. her with who you share your secrets, not me.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
After the different forms of the verb to be, we use subject forms of pronouns, except after the infinitive
where we use the object form.

Test 2
1. A conjunction is used to connect words and sentences together.
A. words and sentences together.
B. words or sentences together.
C. words and sentences.
D. words or sentences.
E. words to sentences.

Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Together is redundant. The conjunction does not couple words to sentences; it joins words, or it joins
sentences. Hence the meaning is clearest in D.

2. Antony, coming alongside Cleopatra's ship, climbed aboard without seeing or being seen by her.
A. climbed aboard without seeing or being seen by her.
B. climbed aboard without seeing Cleopatra or being seen by her.
C. climbs aboard without Cleopatra seeing him.
D. boarded without being seen by her.
E. boarded without seeing Cleopatra.

Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The meaning has to be clear that he did not see her, nor did she see him.

3. Bombast is when high sounding words for effect, not suitability, are used.
A. is when high sounding words for effect, not suitability, are used.
B. is the use of high-sounding words for effect rather than for suitability.
C. is where high-sounding words are used for effect not suitability.
D. is the using of high-sounding words for effect only.
E. is when you use high-sounding words for effect rather than for suitability.

Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The construction �Bombast is where/when� is incorrect. �Bombast is the using of� is also faulty.

4. I would like to thank whoever it was that wrote that piece of music: it has given me so much pleasure.
A. I would like to thank whoever it was that wrote that piece of music:
B. I would like to thank whomever it was that has written that piece of music:
C. I would like to thank whomever it might be that wrote that piece of music:
D. Whoever it was that wrote that piece of music, I would like to thank because
E. I would like to thank whoever it was that wrote that piece of music,

Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
No error.

5. Your taking a loan to buy a car annoyed Father.

A. Your taking a loan to buy a car annoyed Father.
B. Your taking a loan to buy a car aggravated Father.
C. You taking a loan to buy a car irritated Father.
D. You taking a loan to buy a car annoyed Father.
E. Father was annoyed by you taking a loan to buy a car.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Do not use aggravated or irritated when you mean annoyed. Also we need a possessive form of a
pronoun in front of a gerund, so you taking is wrong.

6. In the initial stages of learning a new language we learn more through listening and attempting to copy
speech patterns and not through reading grammar books.
A. and attempting to copy speech patterns and not through reading grammar books.
B. and attempting to copy speech patterns than through reading grammar books.
C. and attempts to copy speech patterns than through reading grammar books.
D. and attempts at copying speech patterns than through reading grammar books.
E. and attempts at copying speech patterns and not grammar books.

Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The word more requires a than. Attempting is correctly parallel to listening.

7. Between you and I, I doubt that he will come.

A. and I, I doubt that he will come.
B. and I, I doubt that he would come.
C. and me, I doubt that he will come.
D. and me, I doubt that he would come.
E. and me, I doubt whether he will be coming.

Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
After the preposition between the pronouns should be in the object form and so we need me and not I.
After doubt the simple future tense is correct.
8. Work that is not finished is not work at all, it is merely a botch, a failure.
A. all, it is merely a botch, a failure.
B. all, it is a botch merely, and a failure.
C. all; it is merely a botch, a failure.
D. all; the work merely is a botch and a failure.
E. all; the work being merely a botch, a failure.

Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
A semicolon is need to link two sentences. Of the choices with the semicolon, C is short and clear (and
correct), D has merely in the wrong place, and E does not have a complete sentence after the semicolon.

9. Pollution and degradation of the environment is, according to the commission's report, a matter of
universal concern.
A. is, according to the commission's report, a matter of universal concern.
B. is, according to the report by the commission, a matter of universal concern.
C. is, according to the report of the commission, matters of universal concern.
D. are, according to the commission's report, universally a matter of concern.
E. are, according to the commission's report, a matter of universal concern.

Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
�Pollution and degradation� form a compound subject which needs a plural verb: areis correct.

10. Denim jeans were originally worn not so much as a fashion statement as for their being practical work
clothes.
A. Denim jeans were originally worn not so much as a fashion statement as for their being practical work
clothes.
B. Denim jeans were originally worn not so much as a fashion statement but for their being practical work
clothes.
C. Denim jeans were originally worn not so much as a fashion statement but for being practical work
clothes
D. Denim jeans were originally worn not as a fashion statement as for them being practical work clothes.
E. Denim jeans were originally worn not as a fashion statement but as for them being practical work
clothes.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The construction not so much as... as is correct.

Test 3
1. It is highly desirable that you furnish evidence of your expenses before you submit your final accounts.
A. It is highly desirable that you furnish evidence of your expenses
B. It is highly desirable that you should furnish evidence of your expenses
C. It is highly to be desired that you furnish evidences of your expenses
D. You must furnish evidence of your expenses
E. You should have to supply evidence of your expenses

Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
No error.
2. The population of tigers in the National Park is increasing steadily, and this is a source of
encouragement to those who have worked so hard to fund the conservation effort.
A. steadily, and this
B. steadily: which
C. steadily; this trend
D. steadily, this increase
E. steady, and this

Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Both which and this should refer to a specific noun. Since the fist part of the sentence does not provide a
suitable noun, we must introduce a word such as increase or trend. D is incorrect as it uses a comma to
link two sentences.

3. In the fine print at the end of the document lies the clauses that make us liable for any expenses
that result from civil unrest.
A. lies the clauses that make us liable for any expenses that
B. lies the clauses that make us liable for any expenses which
C. lies the clause that make us liable for any expenses that
D. lie the clauses that makes us liable for any expenses which
E. lie the clauses that make us liable for any expenses that

Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
The subject the clauses requires a plural verb; change lies to lie. Similarly, make is required to agree
with clauses.

4. The administration discussed whether the number of students studying European languages was
likely to decline when the senior lecturer retired.
A. whether the number of students studying European languages was likely
B. whether the number of students studying European languages were likely
C. if the students studying European languages were likely
D. if the number of European language students were likely
E. whether the number of students studying European languages was liable

Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
"Whether" is correct because the question concerns a choice not a condition. With the expression "the
number of" a singular verb is needed and hence "was" is correct. "Liable" is used in expressions such as
"liable to prosecution" and not for expressions of possibility.

5. If the gardener would sow the seeds in the greenhouse rather than the garden, he might get a better
display of flowers.
A. If the gardener would sow the seeds in the greenhouse rather than the garden
B. If the gardener sowed the seeds in the greenhouse rather than the garden
C. If the gardener would sow the seeds in the greenhouse rather than in the garden
D. If the gardener were to sow the seeds in the greenhouse rather than in the garden
E. If the gardener would sow the seeds in the greenhouse instead of the garden

Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The conditional clause (the �if� clause) does not require would. Also we should write �in the garden�
to be parallel to �in the greenhouse�.
6. On Discovery channel last night they showed an informative program about new innovations in medical
imaging, which you would have found interesting.
A. they showed an informative program about new innovations in medical imaging, which you would have
found interesting.
B. they showed an informative program about innovations in medical imaging, which you would have
found interesting.
C. they showed an informative program about innovations in medical imaging, that you would have found
interesting.
D. there was an informative program about new innovations in medical imaging, that you would have
found interesting.
E. there was an informative program about innovations in medical imaging, a program you would have
found interesting.

Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
They is incorrect when talking of the television channel. New is redundant. And whichmust have a clear
antecedent. Only answer E corrects all these problems.

7. After working for two hours, the essay started to take shape, and he began to hopethat he might finish
before the deadline.
A. After working for two hours, the essay started to take shape, and he began to hope
B. When the essay started to take shape after he had worked on it for two hours, he began to hope
C. When the essay started to take shape after he had worked on it for two hours, he begun to hope
D. When the essay started to take shape after working on it for two hours, he began to hope
E. After working for two hours, the student's essay started to take shape, and he began to hope

Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Answers A and E start with a dangling modifier. Answer C uses begun instead of beganand D is unclear
because we do not know who is working.

8. The young man was surprised to find that his experience as a tutor had been used as the basis for the
protagonist in a short story written by a former girlfriend.
A. that his experience as a tutor had been used as the basis for the protagonist in
B. his experience as a tutor having been used as the protagonist in
C. his experience as a tutor had been used as the basis for the protagonist's in
D. his experience as a tutor being used as the basis for the protagonist of
E. that his experience as a tutor had been used as the basis for events in the life of the protagonist in

Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
The tutor was the basis for the protagonist, or the tutor's experience was the basis for the experience of
the protagonist. Only E makes this relation clear.

9. In the engineering sector at the moment there are no jobs for those without experience, which makes it
difficult for we recent graduates to get started on our careers.
A. at the moment there are no jobs for those without experience, which makes it difficult for we
B. at the moment there are no jobs for those without experience, which makes it difficult for us
C. there are no jobs at the moment for those without experience, a fact that makes it difficult for us
D. there are no jobs at the moment for those without experience, which makes it difficult for us
E. there are no jobs at the moment for those without experience, a fact which makes it difficult for we

Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The object us is required after the preposition for. Which requires a clear antecedent. Only C corrects
both problems.

10. The mole is a nocturnal insectivorous mammal regarded as pests by gardeners because of their
burrowing activity spoiling lawns and gardens.
A. regarded as pests by gardeners because of their burrowing activity spoiling
B. regarded to be pests by gardeners because of their burrowing activity's spoiling
C. regarded as a pest by gardeners because of burrowing activity spoiling
D. considered as a pest by gardeners because of its burrowing activity spoiling
E. regarded as a pest by gardeners because its burrowing activity spoils lawns and gardens.

Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
The mole is singular and hence we need its not their. After considered we do not need as.

Test 4
1. With his sub-four minute mile Bannister broke a psychological barrier, inspiring thousands of others to
attempt overcoming seemingly insurmountable hurdles.
A. inspiring thousands of others to attempt overcoming
B. inspiring thousands of others to attempt to overcome
C. inspiring thousands of others to overcome
D. and inspired thousands of others to attempt to overcome
E. and inspired thousands of others to attempt overcoming

Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
In A the word �inspiring� seems incorrectly to refer to the word �barrier�; also the expression
�attempt overcoming� is unidiomatic. In D, the correct answer, �inspired� is correctly parallel to
�broke�, and �attempt to overcome� is idiomatic.

2. Ricks has written extensively on not only major figures in English poetry like Milton and Housman, but
also on the lyrics of Bob Dylan.
A. on not only major figures in English poetry like Milton, but also on
B. not only on the poetry of such major figures as Milton and Housman, but also on
C. not only on major figures in English poetry like Milton and Housman, but also on
D. on major figures in English poetry like Milton and Housman, as well as
E. on major figures in English poetry such as Milton and Housman, but also on

Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
In A the paired conjunctions �not only... but also� are not used with correct parallel phrases: if �not
only� is followed by a prepositional phrase, �but also� should also be followed by a preposition. The
parallelism is not correct in D either. The expression �such as� is better than �like� when we are
giving examples, and so we can focus on B and E. B is better as the poetry of major figures (not the
figures themselves) is contrasted to the lyrics of Dylan. In answer E the �but also� is not correct without
a �not� earlier in the sentence.

3. An analysis of sixteenth century probate inventories in the major English towns show that even some
artisans and yeomen owned silver spoons, cups or salt cellars.
A. show that even some artisans and yeomen owned silver spoons, cups or
B. show that some artisans and yeomen even owned silver spoons, cups or
C. show that even some artisans and yeomen owned silver spoons, cups and
D. shows that some artisans and yeomen owned even silver spoons, cups and
E. shows that even some artisans and yeomen owned silver spoons, cups or

Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
The subject of the sentence is �analysis� and therefore the verb should be the singular �shows�.
Hence either D or E must be correct. The word �even� should be in front of the word which it qualifies.
The intention is to express surprise that some artisans owned silver, as indicated in E by putting �even�
in front of �artisans�, and not surprise at the spoons as implied in D. In E, the correct answer, the word
�or� seems preferable because the artisan or yeoman might own any of the items and not necessarily
all the items as would be implied by the use of �and�.

4. Stress-induced amnesia is a rare phenomenon; it strikes the patient apparently without warning and
the memory loss can be as complete as that induced by physical trauma.
A. as complete as that induced by physical trauma
B. as complete as is induced by physical trauma�s
C. as least as complete as physical trauma induces
D. at least as complete as physical trauma
E. just as complete as those induced by physical trauma

Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The sentence is correct: the word �that� is required to correctly compare the memory loss with the
memory loss induced by physical trauma.

5. The publishers, unwilling to shoulder the entire risk, insisted that the author should pay half the cost of
the initial print run of his controversial new book.
A. The publishers, unwilling to shoulder the entire risk, insisted that the author should pay half the cost of
the initial print run of his controversial new book.
B. The publishers, unwilling to shoulder the entire risk, insisted that the author should be paying half the
cost of the initial print run of the author�s controversial new book.
C. The publishers, unwilling to shoulder the entire risk, insisted that the author pay half the cost of the
initial print run of his controversial new book.
D. Unwilling to shoulder the entire risk, the publishers insisted the author should pay half the cost of the
initial print run of his controversial new book.
E. Unwilling to shoulder the entire risk, the author was required by the publisher to pay half the cost of the
initial print run of his controversial new book.

Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The subjunctive expression �insisted that the author pay� is correct in C. A, B and D are wrong
because they incorrectly insert �should�. E is incorrect because the �unwilling to shoulder the entire
risk� is incorrectly attributed to the author (dangling modifier problem).

6. It is probable that the prototype cellular motor might be ready for testing around the end of next year.
A. might be ready for testing around the end of next year
B. may be ready for testing about he end of next year
C. might be ready for testing toward next year�s end
D. will be ready for testing toward the end of next year
E. should be ready for testing toward the end of next year

Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
After the expression �it is probable that� we should use a future tense and not a �might�, �may� or
�should�. Also note that �around� cannot be used to mean �approximately�.